Noses to the grindstone

Most Americans have to stay at work until whatever tasks need to be completed are finished. The knowledge we have to do that makes us work harder and smarter. It makes our bosses schedule tasks realistically.

That isn’t how life works on Capitol Hill. Regardless of how many critical issues require their attention, members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives take frequent weeks-long breaks. They were scheduled for one throughout August.

But this week, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said the break will not begin until mid-August. Lawmakers should not leave Washington while important matters such as health care and tax reform remain on the agenda, McConnell said. He urged the House of Representatives to remain in session, too.

Good. It is about time business as usual was abandoned in Washington, in favor of getting things done — or at least, trying harder to do so.

Of course, lawmakers need and deserve some time away from Washington, if only to keep in touch with their constituents. But McConnell is right that business needs to come first.